Method and system for providing supervisory control over wireless phone data usage

Abstract

A system for controlling wireless phone usage enables a supervisor to establish user profiles for supervised users of wireless phones across a range of parameters, which are stored in a user profile database. Such parameters can include one or more locations, at which use of the wireless phone is restricted or permitted. In addition, restrictions on phone use, such as cumulative usage time, number of messages or number of bytes, can be provided based upon total phone usage within a specified control period, time periods, dates or days of the week during which phone use is restricted or permitted. One or more lists including numbers or other identifiers that are always-accessible can be provided, and one or more lists including numbers or other identifiers that are never-accessible can also be provided. In the event a call, message or browse does not satisfy predefined criteria, the communication attempt is blocked. Predetermined messages can be played or displayed to the called or calling party, as applicable, when a communication attempt is blocked. Boolean combinations of restrictions and permissive use criteria for the wireless phone can be specified to provide for flexibility when establishing use criteria for the wireless phone.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent app. Ser. No. 10 / 784,611, titled “Method and System for Exercising Supervisory Control Over Wireless Phone Usage,” filed Feb. 23, 2004, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60 / 449,907, titled “Method and System for Exercising Supervisory Control Over Wireless Phone Usage,” filed Feb. 25, 2003; and this application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60 / 579,854, titled “Method and System for Exercising Supervisory Control Over Wireless Phone Usage,” filed Jun. 15, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to wireless communication systems and more specifically to a method and system for providing supervisory control over wireless phone data usage. [0003] Wireless phones are widely used in this country. Wireless phone service providers typically allow a wireless phone subscriber to place calls send and receive t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a method and system for exercising supervisory control over wireless data usage is disclosed. Wireless data usage includes, without limitation, text messaging, chat, multimedia messaging, Internet browsing, file downloading and uploading, audio, video or other media streaming and other packet data transfers. The disclosed system allows a Supervisor, such as a parent or manager, to establish individual profiles for supervised Users of respective wireless phones across a range of parameters. For example, a parent can establish a user profile for each child that is to be provided a wireless phone. The user profile allows the use of the phone by the child, subject to controls over data usage, as specified by the Supervisor. For example, the disclosed system allows the Supervisor to limit the number of text messages sent and/or received during a specified control period, such as a week or a month, to a predetermined

Problems solved by technology

It has also been observed, however, that many children that are provided wireless phones tend to spend inordinate amounts of time on calls to friends during school days and late into evenings, during homework time and at other inappropriate times or in an inappropriate places and that the availability of wireless text messaging, Internet browsing, file downloading and the like can present a distraction during the school day.

Presently available wireless phone systems provide no way to adequately provide supervisory control of wireless phone usage by others, e.g. children.

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